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08/16/1999 - Advisory Parks & Recreation CommissionADVISORY PARKS COMMISSION EAGAN, MINNESOTA MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING OF AUGUST 16,1999 A regular meeting ofthe Advisory Parks Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 16, 1999 with the following Commission Members present: Joseph Bari, Terry Davis, N. Mark Filipi, Barbara Johnson, Robert Kane, Jr., Bonnie Karson, George Kubik, Lee Markell, Daryle Petersen, and John Rudolph. Commission Member Kevin Gutknecht was not present. Staffpresent include Ken Vraa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Jeff Asfahl, Superintendent of Recreation; Paul Olson, Superintendenrt of Parks; Gregg Hove, Forestry Supervisor; C. J. Lilly, Parks Planner; Eric MacBeth, Water Resources Coordinator; and Ruth Ebert, Recording Secretary. George Kubik moved, Barbara Johnson seconded with all members voting in favor to acct the agenda as presented. Robert Kane moved, George Kubik seconded with all members voting in favor to acct the minutes of July 19, 1999 as presented; Commission Member Karson abstained from voting since she was not in attendance at that meeting. There were no visitors that wished to address the Commission under this agenda item. DEPARTMENT HAPPENINGS Items highlighted by Director Vraa included the completion ofthe new playground at Evergreen Park, work by the Twin Cities Tree Trust at Heine Pond Park and Woodhaven Park, re paving ofthe tennis court at Rahn Park, adjustment of City irrigation schedule south of Diffley to comply with watering restrictions, a trail user survey being conducted by a parks intern, aduh softball team updates, recreational youth camp updates and an update on the joint parking lot project at Patrick Eagan Park. Also noted was the distribution of additional Departmerrt Happenings for August which were distributed to Commission Members immediately prior to the meeting. Barbara Johnson moved, John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to accept the Consent Agenda as presented. GRAMERCY CORPORATION Forestry Supervisor Hove reviewed for Commission Members the tree preservation issues using visual aids ofthe site and discussion ofthe significant tree removal proposed by the developer. Hove noted that this property, located northeast of Yankee Doodle and Coachman Roads, is just under 5 acres in size and 75% covered with significant vegetation, significant trees and significant woodlands. Most of the S 1 significant trees are cottonwood and elm trees, and the significant woodlands comprise approximately 72,000 square feet of this site. The development as proposed would remove all ofthe vegetation at this site, except four (4) cottonwood trees along Yankee Doodle that would be preserved. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 16, 1999 Page 2 Forty-seven (92%) of individual trees and 100% of significant woodland would be removed. This is more than the City ordinance allows for this type of development, which would be 30%. Tree mitigation has been submitted for this site, the developer is proposing to install 21 Category A trees, 50 Category B trees and 30 Category C trees, which calculates to a combination of 107 Category B trees. The required mitigation is 270 Category B trees. Their mitigation falls under 40% of what is required. Hove noted that the applicant was present and the shortfall has been discussed. Water Resources Coordinator Eric MacBeth indicated that no wetlands exist an this site, so there are no wetland concerns. Two stormwater ponding areas are to be constructed on the eastern side ofthe development. 10' wide aquatic benches just below the normal water level, and side sloe below that point not to exceed 3:1 ratio and combined minimum wet pond volume of about .6 acre-feet. A representative of Gramercy Corporation addressed the Commission regarding this site. The developer stated that a natural gas line runs from the SE corner ofthe land to the NE corner, but it will be moved to the western side ofthe property to run under the parking lat. He indicated that because the tree removal would be significar-t and landscape plans for the site would not make up for the loss of trees, they were willmg to provide off site mitigation or cash mitigation. Member Markell asked for more information about the configuration ofthe building. Mr. Stocco stated that the plans call fora 3 story building, wood fi-ame construction over concrete block garage with a precast concrete top, 80 spaces underground with a fatal of 69 units. The plan also includes 60 surface parking spats for a total ratio of 2:1 per unit total. Member Markell then asked for more information about their proposal for off-site planting mitigation, to which the developer responded that a retaining wall on the north side ofthe land could also create a site for possible mitigation on the adjacent property via screening and extending into the park area, anther area ofthe City or a combination of cash and off- site mitigation. The developer identified an approximate $48/49,0000 in addition to the site plantings. Member Markell asked if the footprint ofthe building could be reduced. The developer indicated that they could move from a 3-story plan to 4 stories, but not over 4 stories with a wood frame building. They also looked at reducing the size ofthe project itself, but that didn't create a lot of change since the building can only be set north/south on the property. That reduces the number of units and increases the cost for the members that want to buy in. Member Johnson asked if placing trees on park property had been discussed. The developer indicated that had been mentioned at a planning meeting with the staff and appareirtly there was not a very good response. Member Davis asked for more information about the parking lot. The developer responded that there would be 62 surface parking spaces, 3 of them being handicapped. Member Davis asked if that number was required by the City Code. The developer responded that in most communities the code for a senior building of this type would be 1.5:1, but they plan 2:1 for this particular property because that is what the market is telling them that they want. The building was changed from 62 and older to 55 and older age restricted, drawing younger people with extra cars, etc. Member Petersen stated he would like to explore the proposals that the developer has brought forward regarding the mitigation proposal. The developer's tree mitigation proposal was briefly discussed. The developer clarified that in addition to the landscape plan mitigation areas they would like to make a cash donation of $48,900. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 16, 1999 Page 3 Member Petersen moved and Member Kane seconded with all members voting in favor to make the following recommendations to the City Council: 1. This development would be responsible for a cash parks dedication and a cash trails dedication. 2. According to the City of Eagan Tree Preservation Ordinance the required tree mitigation calculates to the installation ofone-hundred thirty-five (135) category A trees, or two~undred seventy (270) category B trees, or five-hundred forty (540) Category C trees, or an equivalent combination of these trees. Mitigation shall be in addition to any city required landscaping. 3. Tree Protective measures (i.e. orange colored silt fence or 4 foot polyethylene laminate safety netting) shall be installed at the Drip Line or at the perimeter ofthe Critical Root Zone, whichever is greater, of significanttrees/woodlands to be preserved. 4. The applicant shall be required to contact the City Forestry Division at least five days prior to the issuance ofthe grading permit to ensure compliance with the approved Tree Preservation Plan and placement ofthe Tree Protection Fencing. 5. Ponding shall be constructed in the eastern portion ofthe site to provide on-site treatment for runoff from this parcel. The pond excavation should incorporate a 10 foot wide aquatic bench extending from NWL to 1 foot below NWL and side slopes below the aquatic bench shall be 3:1 to a maximum depth of 6.5 feet. The two ponding areas shall have a combined minimum wet volume of 0.6 acre-feet. Item 2. shall be revised to include cash mitigation in the amount of $48,900 as proposed by the developer. SOUTHERN LAKES DEVELOPMENT Director Vraa introduced this item, provided background information and suggested that a sub committee/ad hoc committee be formed to meet with representatives ofthe Inver Grove Heights Advisory Commission. Member Rudolph stated that time was spent walking the park and restrictions/limitations were noted due to the closeness of homes, but not such that it would preclude the scheduling of smaller groups at this site. He also expressed safety concerns about the closeness/proximity of the water/pond to the backstop and suggested screening or netting as a possible solution if the site is used for programming. Based on the Joint Agreement, it appears that the original understanding could be manrtained for that particular park for the scheduling of some organized play over a period of time. Mike Mayer, representing the City of Inver Grove Heights (IGH), addressed the Commission and stated that IGH was originally seeking cash or land from the developer for park dedication purposes. This particular site is listed in their comprehensive park plan as potential park property. They wanted, sought and received land that is separate from this particular site within the development for park dedication purposes. They intend to use the long and linear parcel to preserve some ofthe natural wetland areas in that development and it is their proposal to put some trails around those areas on the east side ofthe development. This park property was acquired from the developer in addition to the park dedication and was not a requirement ofthe City of IGH but was for the City of Eagan. Subsequent to that discussion with the developer, as people started moving into the subdivision, there was interest on the part ofthe residents for a small playground area at this site. At this point, Mayer continued, one option is to investigate the possibility of IGH installing playground equipment on the site that doesn't compromise Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 16, 1999 Page 4 the safety ofthe users because ofthe juxtaposition ofthe ballfield with the soccer overlay. Mayer concluded that IGH has not done anything further because they felt the issue ofthe ballfield and the soccer field needs to be resolved before a potential playground site is identified. Member Markell asked ifthe placement of a playground would eliminate the ballfield. Mayer responded that a small playground may be placed in an area where trees were removed. Ideally, IGH would like to place it more centrally in the park, perhaps down the left field line of what would be the ballfield, but the concern there would be long term safety. Member Rudolph asked if there had been any discussion at the City level as far as reconfiguration ofthe parking? That was one ofthe concerns that the residers had expressed, and as they walked the site they noted that there could be some room to grade in some drive-in parking stalls as opposed to on-street parking. Mike Mayer responded that there had not been any discussion, but that he did take some measureme~s along the east and west sides ofthe site, to determine potential parking spaces and came up with about 23 - 26. The intent was that people using the park would be able to park along the street and that has obviously caused the residenrts some concern. IGH's concern is that putting the parking stalls in the park encourages the use and it would be at IGH expense to construct. Member Rudolph suggested representatives ofthe Eagan Park Commission and IGH Park Commission meet to iron out some ofthe issues and take it to the next level. Mike Mayer said he could pass that request on to his commission. Member Johnson clarified that the object is to have a ballfield for the residenrts in this area when their very small children are of age to play coaches pitch, soccer, etc. She asked if IGH has looked at the option of providing that opportunity somewhere else for these residents. Residerrts will be looking for a ballfield in the area for their practices and games. Mike Mayer stated that from the neighbors' perspective, their concern is not so much with the ballfield being used for practices as it is with organized play. Member Johnson explained that that's how it works in all ofthe parks ~ all of Eagan's ballfields. Mike Mayer responded that that is certainly the case in IGH for a neighborhood park, however, they try not to do that anymore, they try to move those sites to where it is more appropriate where there are amenities like off-street parking and restroom facilities. Member Johnson said we have some but we don't have them all. IGH resident Mark Ingall, who lives across from this park, addressed the Commission. He stated that the residents had no idea when they bought their lots that this park would be used for organized play. The developer, builder and their representatives gave them the impression that it would be a neighborhood park and no indication there would be organized play at this park. He stated that there would be tremendous resistance from the neighborhood to any further development that is not already there, such as parking. He agreed that the field would be appropriate for small children, given the size of the field. Mr. Ingall stated that the field appears larger than it really is because the city is mowing an embankment that belongs to the homeowners at the top ofthe slope. Their main issue is that regardless of the age ofthe children using the field, the number of cars and the traffic in the neighborhood is going to remain the same -they are still going to be driven to the field, pareirts and grandpareirts are still going to come. Safety is the biggest issue. The playground is secondary to the usage ofthe field. They would like a playground there, but they are more concerned about how the field is going to be used. Mr. Ingall requested and was given a copy ofthe memo dated August 10, 1999 to the Advisory Parks Commission. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 16, 1999 Page 5 John Rudolph moved, Joe Bari seconded with all members voting in favor to schedule a joint meeting between representatives of the Inver Grove Heights Parks Commission and Eagan Parks Commission to address some of the concerns identified by the Southern Lakes residers. Commission Members representing the Eagan Parks Commission will be Lee Markell, John Rudolph and Bob Kane, Jr. LEXINGTON POINT 14'~ - TRAII. CHANGE REQUEST Director Vraa irrtroduced C. J. Lilly, Parks Planner, who used visual aids to show the trail route previously approved south of Lexington Point Parkway along the pond, iirto Walnut Hill Park to link with the existing trail in Walnut Hill Park. He also indicated that the developer's proposed trail route is feasible from an engineering standpoiirt, but there are some concerns. The 200' segment does not have sufficient right-of--way for atrail - we would have to wait until that parcel was developed to get extra land for a trail. The utilities would not present a problem, there is a 100' right-of--way through Lexington Avenue which would be sufficient for a trail. Both routes are of similar distance (1500'), but the original concept was toprovide afree-flowing trail moving through the site for pedestrian movement to Diilley/Northview Elementary. In response to a question, Mr. Lilly stated that there would be homes on both sides of the cul~le- sac, but not homes on the other side of the trail. Member Peterson asked if any thought had been given to moving the trail to the east side under the NSP power lines. Mr. Lilly indicated that would move the trail very close to the existing homes with the trail directly under the high power line. Mr. Bradley Swenson addressed the Commission, and claimed that the trail as proposed by the City would not be feasible, because the house pads go right to the easement for the pond. Lot depth is 120', and there is no room for a trail. Mr. Swenson distributed copies of his letter dated August 3, 1999, addressed to C. J. Lilly. In his letter and presentation to the Commission Mr. Swenson spoke on behalf of the residents as well as himself in requesting that the Commission consider relocating the bike trail, especially for security and privacy reasons. Based on several questions by Commission Members, Director Vraa observed that the Commission does not appear to have all the information needed for this issue. There was further discussion about the history and plans for trails in this vicinity. Mr. Swenson indicated that the building season is limited and that he would protest a continuance on this matter. Member Kubik stated that he was concerned about last minute maneuvering and he would not be comfortable pushing this through because of the building season. Eagan resident Greg Wilkin addressed the Commission, stating that he lives on the west side of Lexington and represents the homeowners association for that neighborhood. On their behalf, he expressed concerns about the volume of traffic on Lexington and the fact that kids have to cross Lexington. He indicated that this is a young neighborhood and that he supports a trail along the east side of Lexington so that kids could travel on Lexington without having to cross. Mr. Wilkin also addressed security concerns that the neighbors have about having a trail in their backyard that is well traveled by neighbors and anyone else that happens to be coming through. Covenants prohibit perimeter fences, which means backyards would have no privacy. Neighbors support the covenant, although one residenrt is presently contesting it. Mr. Wilkin stated he and the neighborhood support what they refer to as "'Ihe Swenson Amendment" to the trail. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 16, 1999 Page 6 Director Vraa noted that the neighborhood has submitted a petition to see the trail installed on Lexington Avenue because of some of the concerns and the usage that it has. It was probably deferred to the Engineering Department some time ago for review. Because it is a county road, the County would need to be contacted regarding road right-of--ways. Member Davis requested a status report from staff. H opined that It appears that a trail is needed along Lexington regardless of what happens on the east side in the new neighborhood. Member Kubik moved, Davis seconded with all members voting in favor to defer this issue to a subcommittee and that backgound information be provided including he mapping and enginering data. The recreation subcommittee will meet in the next week or two with invitation to the Development Committee. This issue should also betaken up at the next Commission meeting. E.A.A. PRESENTATION AND REQUEST Tom Wallin, Vice President of EAA, distributed the `deeds of Eagan Athletic Association" and addressed the Commission on behalf of the EAA. He stated that the EAA has provided opportunities for Eagan youth since 1971, and presently accommodates 11,000 youth, including 2,200 in basketball. They introduced volleyball last year expelling 125 girls to play volleyball, but over 400 registered. These numbers could increase to 800-1,200. He stated that it was their hope that their request be put on the November ballot. Mr. Wallin referred to their request as "'The Dorothy Amendment" which is their response to Dorothy Person's question: "In a world where the sun shines every day with unlimited budgets, what would you like to see? " They do not expect that they would get everything on their list, but they did include everything they would like. He skated that they do not need more baseball fields, but they do need basketball and volleyball facilities. If the community approves their request, hey would like to enter into some type of agreement where the EAA would have access to those facilities for a financial contribution. Member Peterson asked if there had been discussions with neighboring communities to work together to acquire a facility. Mr. Wallin indicated that there was not even a high level of cooperation among the five Eagan associations (EAA, RAAA, EVAA, VAA and BAL), so it would not be likely. Member Johnson expressed her thanks and appreciation to the EAA for their programs. Chair Markell asked Mr. Wallin what the square footage requirements would be. Mr. Wallin answered that he did not have a figure, but 14 courts at approximately 46-51' x 92' would be comparable to the Hopkins - Lmdbergh facility. Director Vraa briefly reviewed their request and indicated that the City Council asked the Commission to study this issue at their CIP meeting. This issue was deferred to the Recreation subcommittee for review. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 16, 1999 Page 7 STORMWATER -COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE PLAN Director Vraa indicated that he was asked at the last meeting to provide an update on this issue. A memo from Public Works Director Colbert provided the status of the Stormwater Management Plan. Member Kubik asked for a clarification of "Because it is anticipated that this will probably be the last major revision and update to our Stormwater Management Plan". Director Vraa responded that as we near the last stages of development, there will no longer be a need to address this issue. PARKS DEVELOPMENT UPDATE Parks Planner Lilly displayed phctos of Heine Pond beach and explained beach and landscaping improvemenrts made by the Dakota Coutrty Tree Trust. The site has seen increased traffic and a decline in debris left behind. Next year the Tree Trust will add a boardwalk from the paved area to the deck by the water, improvements to the beach and adding landscape materials. Member Rudolph asked if vegetation was removed from the water. Lilly responded that there was nat. Member Kubik asked if there is accessibility to the deck area. Lilly stated that a ramp will be added for accessibility. WATER RESOURCES UPDATE Water Resources Coordinator Eric MacBeth provided the Commission with details and history of the oxygenation project at Schwarz Lake. Divers have now found that the straps holding the pipe down have broken and portions of the pipe are floating. Signage has been installed warning that no swimming and no diving is allowed. The design engineer, Bonestro, has been contacted and Rich Brasch will be involved in devising a solution and repairs. The benefit of improved oxygen levels in Schwarz Lake would be enhanced fishing opportunities. CITY REQUIRED LANDSCAPING Director Vraa last commission meeting, the question was asked who is responsible for reviewing landscaping requirements and what are those requirements and how does mitigation fit in? Forester Hove drafted a response to the questions raised. The Commission was asked if they had any further questions. Member Bari asked about a portion of the Plan that states, "Options employed in the past include off-site tree installation on other property that the applicant owns or on city property, or a cash donation in lieu of trees." He asked if this still applies or could be deleted. It was clarified that although a cash mitigation cannot be required, a developer can request to make a cash donation as part of their tree mitigation, as was the case with the Crramercy development COUNCIL/COMMISSION WORKSHOP -AUGUST 24 Director Vraa agreed to a-mail or mail the time of the meeting, which will be approximately S or 5:30 p.m. Member Davis will be out oftown on August 24 and unable to attend. Advisory Parks Commission Minutes of Regular Meeting of August 16, 1999 Page 8 Director Vraa noted he would coordinate a meeting with the Inver Grove Heights Commission through Mark Mayer and advise Commission Members of the date. A meeting would also be set to address the Lexington Pointe 14'~ Addition trail and the developer would be contacted when that date was set. Members Davis and Petersen indicated that the City Code parking lot requirements should be reviewed. While the City tries to preserve trees and land, they seem to require more asphah than maybe necessary for parking lots. Chair Markell agreed and added that the same holds true for building heights. Member Davis suggested that there be more focus on reducing the size of the footprint for new developments. A letter will be drafted to re-examine this issue in a joirrt meeting with the Planning Commission. Director Vraa added that perhaps Mike Ridley could review zoning/parking requiremenrts. It was agreed that this issue would be discussed at the next Commission meeting. Daryle Petersen moved and John Rudolph seconded with all members voting in favor to adjourn the mewing. The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. /~- /s - 99 Secretary t Date